Category: Devarim

Devarim Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Shoftim (5764)

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Parshas Shoftim (5764)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

The dominant theme of our present period, Elul, is “Ani L’Dodi V’Dodi Li”; achieving closeness with Hashem. This a time Hashem makes Himself available and it is imperative to understand that this closeness is not something which comes about by passive good will. We must actively and aggressively seek this objective of achieving a true binding with Hashem. If we don’t make an extreme realistic effort we will surely not find time for this in our busy schedules. Either in our intensive Torah programs or other commitments; no time for Hashem. The only way is to designate a specific time for the Ribbono Shel Olam. Then we must know how to connect and to be sure that this is “the real thing”, not fantasies.

Wishing you all success and all the blessings that it brings.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.

Devarim Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Re’ey (5764)

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Parshas Re’ey (5764)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

Again we must pierce through the façade of August, the vacation season, that our solar calendar declares and connect and relate to the reality of Chodesh Elul which is upon us. Each of us must ask Hashem for special Divine assistance for the insight and understanding as to what exactly the particular demands that our individual spiritual needs call for, are, and for the strength to fulfill them.

It is tremendously helpful to always remember the Chazal in the Medrash of our parshas (4:5) that Hashem declares that no one ever loses out by following His commands.

Have a wonderful Shabbos and a wonderful month which will culminate in a Shana Tova.

Devarim Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Aikev (5764)

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Parshas Aikev (5764)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

Rashi in our parsha opens our eyes to the vulnerability and weakness of all of us; (11:16) by the slackening in the intensity of our learning of Torah, we immediately are subjected and open to the lowest spiritual degradations. How much we must constantly cry to Hashem for Divine assistance.

Have a wonderful Shabbos.

Devarim Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Vo’eschanan (5764)

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Parshas Vo’eschanan (5764)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

Our parsha is filled with an abundance of the foundations of our faith. After the greatest catastrophe of the churban Bais HaMikdash which we just commemorated, our parsha is very appropo since the only path of rebirth is reverting to the pure and accurate essence of our faith.

Have a wonderful Shabbos.

Devarim Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Devorim (5764)

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Parshas Devorim (5764)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

The Medrash in our parsha (1:9) stating that we see a bracha for accepting “tochacha” can be understood superficially as a recompensation for the negative feelings that usually accompany rebuke. For a deeper understanding of this we find the most puzzling phenomenon that Yaakov Avinu reserved his tochacha for his sons for his final moments of life for fear that they would desert him in favor of joining the ranks of Esav as a result of his rebuke. It is a most uncomprehensible fact; humans refuse to accept rebuke. They justify themselves, redeem themselves, and rebel. If one manages to accept tochahca he certainly deserves a bracha for a reward. We must cry our hearts out to Hashem to open our hearts to receive rebuke and enlightenment and we will surely receive all the brachos. We should merit to see the great redemption and have a wonderful Shabbos.

Devarim Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Nitzavim – Vayelech (5763)

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Parshas Nitzavim – Vayelech (5763)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

We are at the last lap before Rosh Hashana. The goal on Rosh Hashana is to relate to Hashem as the Sovereign King ruling over the entire universe. This in itself is a difficult task since Hashem is not tangible. Even more so, living in an era that we have no real manifestation of a true kingdom to relate to makes this seemingly impossible.

Perhaps the malchus of Hashem can be realized through the contemporary scientific discovery that all matter is just energy with no intrinsic significance. Shifting or removal of this energy can alter or remove anything and everything. This is the most realistic, actual insight and understanding of real malchus, that only Hashem’s “energy” is upholding and controlling the whole universe. This is most likely the true, inner meaning and explanation of how the pasuk that we say in Musaf Rosh Hashana in malchios “Shma Yisroel Hashem Elokainu Hashem Echad”—declares the kingdom of Hashem.

Rosh Hashana is the time everything can change and improve for the better and best. Through the medium of the shofar this is most efficiently accomplished. The sound of the tekiah is a majestic proclamation of the Kingdom of Hashem. The teruah, shvarim and shvarim-teruah are crying sounds, with which we should cry and appeal for redemption from the many tragic situations Clal Yisroel is going through.

Any “spare time” on Rosh Hashana should be used for Torah study which is our biggest zechus. Best wishes for a wonderful year in every way for all of you and all Clal Yisroel.

Devarim Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Ki Saitzay (5763)

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Parshas Ki Saitzay (5763)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

To prepare ourselves for the tests that present themselves in this world it is imperative to allocate time of intensive inspiration to enable us to deal with the tests when they come. Daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly, Elul is the month allocated to rejuvenate and to clarify our aspirations and to clarify and crystallize our goals. Elul is the time for introspection not for Ki Saitzay lamilchama, not for going out and on our own volition exposing ourselves to unnecessary trials and tribulations. Our chizuk in Elul should lead to a wonderful year in every way.

Devarim Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Vo’eschanan (5763)

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Parshas Vo’eschanan (5763)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

What ever we manage to gain from Bein HaMetzorim and Tisha B’Av despite the “lev even”—heart of stone, let us utilize to crystallize what we have to rectify and to revitalize our goals and life accomplishments. It is amazing that parshas Vo’eschanan is filled with the foundations of everything we stand for and have to accomplish. The fulfillment of the Torah is beautiful. If we are ever disappointed in it is a result of the lack of our consistency in its fulfillment—as is related in Rashi 4:9.

Have a wonderful Shabbos.

Devarim Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Aikev (5763)

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Parshas Aikev (5763)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

The Medrash in this week’s sedra (3:3) focuses on unique, outstanding acts of individuals that the only way they can be understood is that they are a reflection of the “nefesh Elokis”—the Godly soul. We should use these opportunities of observing these very special people to strengthen our emuna, our belief, and our insight into Elokus.

Have a wonderful Shabbos.

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